Three Ghanaian domestic airlines have barred a physically-
challenged Nigerian, Ndifreke Andrew-Essien from travelling.
One of the airlines had reportedly even refused to refund her.
The Punch reports that the three airlines, Africa World Airlines,
Antrak Air and Starbow Airlines told the Nigerian that she
could not board the plane from Accra to Tamale because she
used a wheelchair.

“I live in Port Harcourt (Rivers state) where I run a non profit
organisation. I secured an internship with an organisation in
Ghana and I was posted to Salaga, which is in the Northern
province of Ghana. The route via air, is Port Harcourt to
Lagos; Lagos to Accra and Accra to Tamale. My flights were
booked by an agent. On getting to the domestic airport in
Accra, I presented my ticket to the airline—Africa World Airline
— where my reservations had been made for the Accra-
Tamale stretch, but was called aside by the airline official
who told me I would not be able to fly with the airline.
“He stated that the airline does not fly with wheelchair-bound
passengers, because they don’t have facilities for such a
purpose. I told them it wouldn’t be a problem as I had
experienced the general lack of facilities when it comes to
persons with disabilities. I assured the airline staff that I was
ready to work with the airline despite its inadequacy,”
Andrew-Essien said. However, airport officials didn’t show understanding for her
situation by saying: “We don’t fly wheelchair-bound
passengers. It is not our policy”.
Upset Andrew-Essien was forced to travel by road which took
about 13 hours to reach her destination. However, she
stressed that the discriminatory policy would not stop her
achieving her aim.
“Persons with disabilities are faced with all kinds of issues
when it comes to inclusion. This is a clear example of how, in
the 21st century, Africa is still not forward-thinking in building
a continent for all its citizens,” she noted.
Andrew-Essien has called on Africa World Airlines and the
Ghana Civil Aviation Authority to put an end to the
discriminatory policy by providing necessary equipment that
will allow physically-challenged people to travel.

Ghana again?